Keyshaun Elliott: The 'Werewolf' Leader Charging Toward the NFL

The Arizona State Sun Devils defense underwent a massive identity shift under head coach Kenny Dillingham, and no player embodied that change more than linebacker Keyshaun Elliott. A pivotal member of the self-proclaimed "Werewolves" linebacker room, Elliott finished a stellar 2025 season as one of the most productive defenders in the Big 12. As he transitions to the 2026 NFL Draft process, Elliott has been a standout at the Senior Bowl and his recent Pro Day, where he clocked an impressive 20 mph during chase-down drills. His blend of old-school physicality and modern sideline-to-sideline speed has scouts labeling him a "rising riser" in a deep linebacker class.

Elliott’s 2025 stats tell the story of a player who lived in the opponent's backfield. He recorded a staggering 98 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks, leading an ASU defense that helped the team build on their 2024 conference title success. Transferring from New Mexico State, Elliott quickly became the heartbeat of the Sun Devils' locker room in Tempe. He’s known for his high football IQ, often seen directing teammates and diagnosing plays before they even materialize. This mental edge was on full display during ASU’s final game results, where Elliott’s seven-sack season was capped by a dominant performance that saw him disrupt both the run and pass with equal ferocity.

During a recent interview at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, Elliott reflected on his time in Tempe, noting that the grueling 105-degree practices in Arizona helped forge the toughness that NFL teams value. He credits Coach Dillingham for allowing him to be his "authentic self," which translated into a playstyle defined by relentless effort and big-hit capability. Scouts have praised his ability to fly downhill, but they are equally impressed with his improved coverage skills, an area he worked on tirelessly during the 2025 offseason. At 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds, he has the prototypical frame of a modern NFL "MIKE" linebacker.

His path to the draft has been a model of consistency. From being a top dog on a New Mexico State team coached by Jerry Kill to becoming an All-Big 12 enforcer at ASU, Elliott has produced everywhere he’s been. He currently sits with 301 career tackles, a testament to his nose for the football. NFL teams like the Minnesota Vikings have been mentioned as potential landing spots, as they value linebackers who can contribute immediately on special teams while developing into every-down starters. Elliott’s "Werewolf" mentality—hunting in packs and playing with a relentless edge—is exactly what a defensive coordinator wants at the second level.

As the April 23 draft date nears, Elliott’s stock is as hot as a Tempe afternoon. While some analysts still classify him as a Day 3 prospect, his combination of elite production, leadership traits, and verified speed makes it more likely he hears his name called in the early rounds. For Keyshaun Elliott, the dream is no longer just a checkbox on a list—it's a reality that he has earned through years of being the hardest-working player on the field, regardless of the clouds in the sky or the temperature on the turf.